Saastamoinen Foundation Keynote: Yuko Mohri
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Date
4.11-4.11.2026
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Duration
2 H
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Venue
Pannu Hall
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Tickets
Ilmainen / free
Show times
Wed 4 Nov, 5–7 PM
Note
The lecture will be held in english.
Introduction
Artist Yuko Mohri will give a public lecture, “Assume That There Is Friction and Resistance”, at Dance House Helsinki as part of the Saastamoinen Foundation and Academy of Fine Arts Keynote Lecture Series.
There is something at once very familiar and strangely captivating about Yuko Mohri’s kinetic installations. Composed of everyday objects and natural materials, such as fruit and water, as well as physical phenomena such as gravity, sound, air, electricity and light, the installations move, transform and grow as the exhibition progresses, thus living a life of their own.
A good example of Mohri’s approach is her work Decomposition, which the artist herself has described as a living, dead, electronic installation. The work transforms the decomposition process of rotting fruit into light and sound, while simultaneously revealing that life is also concealed within death.
In 2024, Mohri represented Japan at the 60th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale with her solo exhibition Compose, and in February 2026 she was awarded the prestigious Calder Prize. Her recent exhibitions have further demonstrated her distinctive approach to employing sound, movement and responsive environments.
The Pannuhalli has 350 seats, some of which are reserved for students and supporters of the University of the Arts Helsinki.
The lecture will be held in English.
Yuko Mohri
Mohri is a Japanese artist based in Tokyo (b. 1980), whose practice encompasses a wide range of installations, sculptures, photographs, videos and sound works. Mohri makes use of subtle physical phenomena such as gravity, sound, air and light. The result is environments in which chance and interaction play a central role.
Saastamoinen Foundation Keynote Lecture Series
The Saastamoinen Foundation Keynote Lecture Series brings prominent figures from the field of art to Finland. Mohri’s visit is part of an internationalisation programme in the visual arts launched in 2014 by the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki and the Saastamoinen Foundation. In addition to lectures, the programme includes international mentoring and residency activities for the Academy’s master’s students and alumni.
The lecture is the ninth Keynote presentation organised by the Academy of Fine Arts and the Saastamoinen Foundation. Once a year, internationally renowned professionals from the field of art are invited to give the lecture
